Seat assemblies having fixed frames and movable seat cushions and movable seat backs with power lumbar mechanisms, tilt mechanisms, and heating/cooling mechanisms

ABSTRACT

A kinetic seat assembly includes primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame movable relative to the primary seat cushion frame, a primary seat back frame, and a secondary seat back frame movable relative to the primary seat back frame. In embodiments, the secondary seat back frame includes a power lumbar mechanism. In embodiments at least one of the secondary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat back frame includes at least one of a cooling mechanism and a heating mechanism.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of co-pending U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/227,174, filed Jul. 29, 2021, for“Seat Assembly Having Fixed Frame And Movable Seat Cushion And MovableSeat Back,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entiretyincluding the drawings.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification generally relates to kinetic seat assembliesfor vehicles and, more specifically, kinetic seat assemblies forvehicles that accommodate rotation of an occupant's body during turningoperations with a force applied in a counter-turning direction.

BACKGROUND

When driving a vehicle, the driver typically experiences fatigue due torepeated rotation of the driver's torso and pelvis. In addition, adriver's knees and head are also rotated during turning of the vehicle.Thus, this movement requires the driver to continuously compensate forrotation during turning. Over time, this rotation of the driver's torso,pelvis, knees, and head can lead to various aches and pains limiting theamount of driving time one can withstand.

It has been known to provide a seat assembly including a seat back and aseat cushion that mimic the walking movement of an occupant's pelvis andtorso. Specifically, the known seat assembly allows the seat cushion topivot at a cushion pivot axis and the seat back to pivot at a seat backpivot axis such that the seat back and the seat cushion pivot inopposite directions. However, rotating the pelvis and the torso inopposite directions during turning may cause discomfort in some drivers.

Accordingly, a need exists for alternative kinetic seat assemblies thatoffer torso rotation and pelvic rotation in the same direction tomaintain a centered position of the driver's head and knees.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a kinetic seat assembly includes: a primary seat backframe; a secondary seat back frame; and an upper pivot mechanismcoupling the secondary seat back frame to the primary seat back frame,the upper pivot mechanism including: a bracket; and a pivotable linkextending from each of a pair of opposite sides of the bracket andinterconnecting the bracket and the primary seat back frame, a first endof each of the pivotable links pivotally attached to the bracket, whichis coupled to the secondary seat back frame, and an opposite second endeach of the pivotable links pivotally fixed to the primary seat backframe, wherein the secondary seat back frame is permitted to move in avehicle vertical direction relative to the primary seat back frame asthe pivotable links permit the bracket to move in the vehicle verticaldirection relative to the primary seat back frame.

In another embodiment, a kinetic seat assembly includes: a secondaryseat cushion frame; a secondary seat back frame; and a linkage assemblyincluding: a connection bracket having a first end and an oppositesecond end, the first end fixed to the secondary seat cushion frame; aconnector bracket fixed to a front surface of the connection bracket,the connector bracket including a base wall fixed to the front surfaceof the connection bracket and a pair of side walls extending fromopposite ends of the base wall and perpendicular to the base wall, anopening formed in each side wall of the pair of side walls, wherein thesecondary seat back frame pivotally fixed to the connector bracket atthe opening formed in each side wall of the pair of side walls.

In yet another embodiment, a vehicle includes: a passenger compartment;and a kinetic seat assembly within the passenger compartment, thekinetic seat assembly including: a primary seat cushion frame; asecondary seat cushion frame pivotally coupled to the primary seatcushion frame; a primary seat back frame; a secondary seat back framepivotally coupled to the primary seat back frame; a linkage assemblyinterconnecting the secondary seat back frame to the secondary seatcushion frame, the linkage assembly restricting movement of thesecondary seat back frame and the secondary seat cushion frame to beingin phase with one another; and an upper pivot mechanism pivotallycoupling the primary seat back frame and the secondary seat back frame.

These and additional features provided by the embodiments describedherein will be more fully understood in view of the following detaileddescription, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplaryin nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by theclaims. The following detailed description of the illustrativeembodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with thefollowing drawings, where like structure is indicated with likereference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a system for a vehicle having kinetic seatassembly, according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein, and illustrated in a vehicle as a driver's seat;

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a front view of the kinetic seat assemblyof FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a rear view of the kinetic seat assembly ofFIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a rear perspective view of the kinetic seatassembly of FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein;

FIG. 5 schematically depicts another rear perspective view of thekinetic seat assembly of FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein;

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a first side view of the kinetic seatassembly of FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein;

FIG. 7 schematically depicts a second side view of the kinetic seatassembly of FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein;

FIG. 8 schematically depicts a top view of the kinetic seat assembly ofFIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 9 schematically depicts a bottom view of the kinetic seat assemblyof FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 10 schematically depicts a front view of a primary seat back frameof the kinetic seat assembly of FIG. 1 , according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 11 schematically depicts a rear view of the primary seat back frameof FIG. 10 , according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 12 schematically depicts a front perspective view of the primaryseat back frame of FIG. 10 , according to one or more embodiments shownand described herein;

FIG. 13 schematically depicts another front perspective view of theprimary seat back frame of FIG. 10 , according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 14 schematically depicts a front perspective view of a secondaryseat back frame of the kinetic seat assembly of FIG. 1 , according toone or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 15 schematically depicts another front perspective view of thesecondary seat back frame of FIG. 14 , according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 16 schematically depicts a perspective view of a front pivotmechanism of the kinetic seat assembly of FIG. 1 , according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 17 schematically depicts a perspective view of a ball joint andcoupling of an upper pivot mechanism of the kinetic seat assembly ofFIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 18 schematically depicts a front perspective view of the upperpivot mechanism of the kinetic seat assembly of FIG. 1 in a firstposition, according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 19 schematically depicts a side view of the upper pivot mechanismof FIG. 18 in the first position, according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein;

FIG. 20 schematically depicts a front perspective view of the upperpivot mechanism of FIG. 18 in a second position, according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 21 schematically depicts a side view of the upper pivot mechanismof FIG. 18 in the second position, according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein;

FIG. 22A schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the upper pivotmechanism of FIG. 18 taken along line 22A-22A of FIG. 8 in the firstposition mounted to the primary seat back frame and the secondary seatback frame, according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 22B schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the upper pivotmechanism of FIG. 18 in the second position mounted to the primary seatback frame and the secondary seat back frame, and the secondary seatback frame moved toward the primary seat back frame, according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 23 schematically depicts a top perspective view of a secondary seatcushion frame of the kinetic seat assembly of FIG. 1 , according to oneor more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 24 schematically depicts another top perspective view of thesecondary seat cushion frame of FIG. 23 , according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 25 schematically depicts a front perspective view of a linkageassembly of the kinetic seat assembly of FIG. 1 , according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 26 schematically depicts another front perspective view of thelinkage assembly of FIG. 25 , according to one or more embodiments shownand described herein;

FIG. 27 schematically depicts a front perspective view of the secondaryseat cushion frame of FIG. 23 mounted to the secondary seat back frameof FIG. 14 , according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 28 schematically depicts another front perspective view of thesecondary seat cushion frame of FIG. 23 mounted to the secondary seatback frame of FIG. 14 , according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein;

FIG. 29 schematically depicts a partial rear view of the kinetic seatassembly of FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein;

FIG. 30 schematically depicts a partial side view of a vertical damperof the kinetic seat assembly extending between a connector bracket and aclamp, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 31 schematically depicts a partial perspective view of the primaryseat cushion frame and a tilt bar mechanism of the kinetic seat assemblyof FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 32 schematically depicts an exploded, perspective view of a pair ofclamps of the kinetic seat assembly of FIG. 1 , according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 33 schematically depicts a perspective view of the pair of clampsof FIG. 32 in an assembled state, according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein; and

FIG. 34 schematically depicts an enlarged perspective view of a portionof the tilt mechanism of FIG. 31 , according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 generally depicts an environmental view of an embodiment of avehicle including a kinetic seat assembly. The vehicle general comprisesa passenger compartment which passengers or other occupants occupy. Aplurality of vehicle seats including a front driver seat, frontpassenger seat, and one or more rear passenger seats may be providedwithin the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

As shown, the kinetic seat assembly is utilized as the driver's seat.However, it is to be understood that a plurality of kinetic seatassemblies may be utilized as multiple seats of the vehicle. The kineticvehicle seat assembly generally comprises a kinetic seat cushionassembly, a kinetic seat back assembly, a vertical damping mechanism,and a lateral damping mechanism. The kinetic seat cushion assemblyincludes a primary seat cushion frame, a secondary seat cushion frame,and a front pivot mechanism that pivotally couples a front portion ofthe primary seat cushion frame to a front portion of the secondary seatcushion frame. The kinetic seat back assembly includes a primary seatback frame, a secondary seat back frame, and an upper pivot mechanismthat pivotally couples an upper portion of the primary seat back frameto an upper portion of the secondary seat back frame.

The vertical damping mechanism provides a damping effect as thesecondary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat back frame move in avehicle vertical direction. The lateral damping mechanism provides adamping effect as a rear end of the secondary seat cushion frame and alower end of the secondary seat back frame move in a vehicle lateraldirection. The front pivot mechanism allows the secondary seat cushionframe to rotate with respect to the primary seat cushion frame.Similarly, the upper pivot mechanism allows the secondary seat backframe to rotate, and in some embodiments move in the vehicle verticaldirection, with respect to the primary seat back frame.

During a turning operation, the occupant and the kinetic seat assemblyreceive a force pushing the occupant and the kinetic seat assembly in anopposite direction of the turning operation. Thus, the pivot mechanismsand the vertical and lateral damping mechanisms cause the secondary seatcushion frame and the secondary seat back frame to rotate in thedirection of the force and in phase with one another. As used herein,the term “in phase” describes two objects, for example, the secondaryseat cushion frame and the secondary seat back frame, movingsynchronously with one another in the same direction. As such, the term“out of phase” as used herein describes two objects, for example, thesecondary seat cushion frame and the secondary seat back frame, notmoving synchronously and in the same direction with one another.Further, it should be understood that when two objects are moving inphase with one another, the directions in which those object are movingare similarly in phase with one another.

In some embodiments, the upper pivot mechanism and the dampingmechanisms are adjustable, either manually or electronically, in orderto increase or decrease the amount of movement of the secondary seatcushion frame and/or the secondary seat back frame.

In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a display unit and a userinterface. The vehicle also includes an onboard computing deviceincluding an electronic control unit having a processor and a memorycomponent. Thus, the pivot mechanisms and the damping mechanisms may beoperable by an occupant of the vehicle by operating controls on the userinterface. In some embodiments, the electronic control unit alsoincludes a network interface hardware configured to interface with atransceiver to connect to a network. The network couples the vehicle toa mobile computing device in order to allow an occupant to control thepivot mechanisms and the damping mechanisms wirelessly.

As used herein, the term “vehicle longitudinal direction” refers to theforward-rearward direction of the vehicle (i.e., in the +/−vehicle Xdirection depicted in FIG. 1 ). The term “vehicle lateral direction”refers to the cross-vehicle direction (i.e., in the +/−vehicle Ydirection depicted in FIG. 1 ), and is transverse to the vehiclelongitudinal direction. The term “vehicle vertical direction” refers tothe upward-downward direction of the vehicle (i.e., in the +/−vehicle Zdirection depicted in FIG. 1 ). As used herein, “upper” and “above” aredefined as the positive Z direction of the coordinate axis shown in thedrawings. As used herein, “lower” and “below” are defined as thenegative Z direction of the coordinate axis shown in the drawings.Further, the term “outboard” or “outward” as used herein refers to therelative location of a component with respect to a vehicle centerline.The term “inboard” or “inward” as used herein refers to the relativelocation of a component with respect to the vehicle centerline. Becausethe vehicle structures may be generally symmetrical about the vehiclecenterline, the direction to which use of terms “inboard,” “inward,”“outboard,” and “outward” refer may be mirrored about the vehiclecenterline when evaluating components positioned along opposite sides ofthe vehicle.

As used herein, the term “kinetic seat vertical direction” refers to thesame direction as the vehicle vertical direction. In a configuration inwhich the kinetic seat assembly is a normal, front-facing seat in avehicle, the term “kinetic seat longitudinal direction” refers to adirection parallel to the vehicle longitudinal direction. However, itshould be appreciated that other configurations are contemplated inwhich the kinetic seat assembly is oriented in a direction in which thekinetic seat longitudinal direction is perpendicular, i.e., parallel tothe vehicle lateral direction, or some other direction therebetween.

Also used herein, it is to be understood that the “turning direction”means a direction in which the occupant is turning the vehicle.Similarly, “counter-turning direction” means a direction opposite theturning direction.

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of thekinetic seat assembly described herein, examples of which areillustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the samereference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to thesame or like parts.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a vehicle is generally illustrated at 12. Thevehicle 12 includes a passenger compartment 14 provided in an interiorthereof. The passenger compartment 14 is a portion of an interior of thevehicle 12 which passengers or other occupants occupy. A plurality ofvehicle seats including a driver seat 16, front passenger seat (notshown), and one or more rear passenger seats 18, such as second rowpassenger seats or third row passenger seats, are provided within thepassenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 12.

In FIG. 1 , the driver seat 16 is provided as a kinetic seat assembly10. However, the kinetic seat assembly 10 is not limited to the driverseat 16. In embodiments, any one or any combination of the driver seat16, the passenger seat, and the one or more rear passenger seats 18 maybe provided as the kinetic seat assembly 10.

In FIG. 1 , the vehicle 12 is provided as an automobile which includescoupes, sedans, minivans, trucks, crossovers, hybrids, and sportsutility vehicles. However, the kinetic seat assembly 10 is not limitedto automobiles. In embodiments, the kinetic seat assembly 10 may beprovided in any vehicle 12 such as a watercraft, aircraft, or the like.

The vehicle 12 includes a steering wheel 20 located in front of thedriver seat 16 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The vehicle 12includes a display unit 22 and a user interface 24. In some embodiments,the user interface 24 includes manual buttons or touchscreen controlsprovided on the display unit 22. It is appreciated, that the vehicle 12in which the kinetic seat assembly 10 is provided may be an autonomousvehicle in which no steering wheel 20 is provided.

The vehicle 12 includes an onboard computing device 26. In someembodiments, a network 28 couples the vehicle 12 to a mobile computingdevice 30. The network 28 may include a wide area network, such as aninternet or cellular network (such as 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, WiMAX, etc.).Similarly, the network 28 may include a local area network, such as awireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) network, a Bluetooth network, a near fieldcommunication network, hardware, and the like.

The onboard computing device 26 of the vehicle 12 includes an electroniccontrol unit 32. In some embodiments, the onboard computing device 26includes a transceiver 34 in electrical communication with theelectronic control unit 32 and configured for two way communication withthe network 28 to couple the vehicle 12 to the network 28 and, thus, themobile computing device 30.

The mobile computing device 30 may be configured as a mobile phone, atablet, a personal computer, and/or other devices for performing thefunctionality described herein. The mobile computing device 30 may beoperated by a third party such as a driver or other occupant or owner ofthe vehicle 12.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , the electronic control unit 32 includes alocal interface 36, a processor 38, an input/output hardware 40, a datastorage component 42, and a memory component 44 coupled to the processor38.

The local interface 36 is implemented as a bus or other communicationinterface to facilitate communication among the components of theelectronic control unit 32. The local interface 36 is formed from anymedium that is configured to transmit a signal. As non-limitingexamples, the local interface 36 is formed of conductive wires,conductive traces, optical waveguides, or the like. The local interface36 may also refer to the expanse in which electromagnetic radiation andtheir corresponding electromagnetic waves traverses. Moreover, the localinterface 36 may be formed from a combination of mediums configured totransmit signals. In one embodiment, the local interface 36 comprises acombination of conductive traces, conductive wires, connectors, andbuses that cooperate to permit the transmission of electrical datasignals to and from the various components of the mobile computingdevice 30. Additionally, it is noted that the term “signal” means awaveform (e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical orelectromagnetic) configured to travel through a medium, such as DC, AC,sinusoidal-wave, triangular-wave, square-wave, vibration, and the like.

The processor 38 may include processing components operable to receiveand execute machine-readable instructions, such as those stored in thedata storage component 42 and/or the memory component 44. As anon-limiting example, the processor 38 may be one of a shared processorcircuit, dedicated processor circuit, or group processor circuit.

The input/output hardware 40 may refer to a basic input/output system(BIOS) that interacts with hardware of the vehicle 12, the mobilecomputing device 30, drivers that interact with particular devices ofthe vehicle 12 or the mobile computing device 30, one or more operatingsystems, user applications, background services, backgroundapplications, etc. In some embodiments, the input/output hardware 40includes the display unit 22, the user interface 24, and/or the otherhardware in the vehicle 12.

The data storage component 42 is communicatively coupled to theprocessor 38. As a non-limiting example, the data storage component 42may include one or more database servers that support NoSQL, MySQL,Oracle, SQL Server, NewSQL, or the like. The data storage component 42stores user-specific parameters and characteristics for desiredoperating modes of the kinetic seat assembly 10.

The memory component 44 is communicatively coupled to the processor 38.As a non-limiting example, the memory component 44 may be one of ashared memory circuit, dedicated memory circuit, or group memorycircuit. The memory component 44 stores detection logic 46 andcommunication logic 48. The detection logic 46 and the communicationlogic 48 may each include a plurality of different pieces of logic, eachof which may be embodied as a computer program, firmware, and/orsoftware/hardware.

The detection logic 46 is executable by the processor 38 to detect oneor more signals provided by the input/output hardware 40, such as theuser interface 24. The communication logic 48 is executable by theprocessor 38 to cause the onboard computing device 26 to executecommands and operations corresponding to the detection logic 46. In someembodiments, the detection logic 46 and the communication logic 48communicate with the network 28 through a network interface hardware 50and/or the transceiver 34 to communicate with the mobile computingdevice 30.

In some embodiments, the memory component 44 is configured as volatileand/or nonvolatile memory and, as such, may include random access memory(SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of RAM), flash memory, secure digital(SD) memory, registers, compact discs, digital versatile discs (DVD),and/or other types of non-transitory computer readable mediums.Depending on the particular embodiments, these non-transitory computerreadable mediums may reside within the onboard computing device 26and/or external to the onboard computing device 26. The memory component44 and the data storage component 42 operate as the memory unit of theelectronic control unit 32.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the electronic control unit 32includes a network interface hardware 50. The network interface hardware50 may include or be configured to interface with the transceiver 34 toconnect to the network 28. As an example, the network interface hardware50 is operable to communicate with any wired or wireless networkhardware, including an antenna, a modem, a LAN, wireless fidelity(Wi-Fi) card, WiMAX card, mobile communications hardware, and/or otherhardware for communicating with other networks and/or devices. From thisconnection, communication is made through the transceiver 34 using thenetwork interface hardware 50 thereby facilitating communication betweenthe electronic control unit 32 and the mobile computing device 30through the network 28.

It should be understood that while the components discussed above areillustrated as residing within the electronic control unit 32, this ismerely an example thereof. In some embodiments, one or more of thecomponents may reside external to the electronic control unit 32. Itshould also be understood that while the electronic control unit 32 isillustrated as a single device, this is also merely an example. In someembodiments, the detection logic 46 and the communication logic 48 mayreside on different computing devices. As an example thereof, one ormore of the functionalities and/or components described herein may beprovided by the mobile computing device 30, which may be coupled to thevehicle 12 through the network 28.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-9 , the kinetic seat assembly 10 isschematically shown and generally includes a primary seat cushion frame52, a secondary seat cushion frame 54 pivotally connected to the primaryseat cushion frame 52, a primary seat back frame 56, a secondary seatback frame 58 pivotally connected to the primary seat back frame 56, avertical damping mechanism 100, a lateral damping mechanism 102, and alinkage assembly 60. As discussed in more detail herein, the verticaldamping mechanism 100 and the lateral damping mechanism 102 provide adamping effect between the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and thesecondary seat back frame 58 relative to the primary seat cushion frame52 and the primary seat back frame 56.

As used herein, the term “damping effect” is referred to as a degree ofcompression. In embodiments, compression may be measured by a length ofa biasing member, such as a spring, or resistance to compression by afluid, such as oil. As such, a damping effect is directly correlated toan amount of travel between ends of the biasing member or resistanceprovided by the fluid.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 27, and 28 , the linkage assembly 60 interconnectsthe secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame58. The linkage assembly 60 is configured to inhibit the secondary seatcushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 from moving out ofphase with one another. It is to be understood that movement of thesecondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 iscaused by rotation of the occupant seated within the kinetic seatassembly 10 due to a force exhibited on the occupant and the vehicle 12during driving. Thus, it should be appreciated that the movement of thesecondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 isnot a result of any motorized or otherwise electronically programmed andcontrolled operation. However, as discussed in more detail herein, thedegree of movement may be controlled by an electronic program orcontrolled operation. Various embodiments of the kinetic seat assembly10 and the operation of the kinetic seat assembly 10 will be describedin more detail herein.

It should be appreciated that, as shown in FIG. 1 , the secondary seatcushion frame 54 includes padding 11 to support a pelvis, such as abuttocks and thighs, of an occupant, and that the secondary seat backframe 58 includes padding 13 to support a back of the occupant. Thepadding 11, 13 on the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondaryseat back frame 58 are omitted in the remaining figures to betterillustrate the embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 9 , the primary seat cushion frame 52 mayhave a generally rectangular shape. The primary seat cushion frame 52includes a front member 62 provided proximate a front portion thereofand a rear member 64 provided proximate a rear portion thereof. The rearmember 64 traverses between a pair of opposing side members 66, 68. Theprimary seat cushion frame 52 may also include a pair of reclinermechanisms 70 provided on opposite sides of the primary seat cushionframe 52, proximate the rear member 64. The primary seat cushion frame52 may include a pair of rails 81, 83 for slidably engaging a pair oftracks 85, 87 mounted to a floor F of the passenger compartment 14 ofthe vehicle 12. Sliding the pair of rails 81, 83 along the tracks 85, 87allows the occupant to move the kinetic seat assembly 10 forward orbackward in the vehicle longitudinal direction in order to comfortablyposition the kinetic seat assembly 10 and the occupant with respect tothe steering wheel 20 of the vehicle 12. In addition, it should beappreciated that the primary seat cushion frame 52 may move in a kineticseat vertical direction so as to be lowered or raise relative to thefloor F.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-13 , the primary seat back frame 56 may have agenerally trapezoidal shape. The primary seat back frame 56 includes anupper member 76 provided proximate an upper portion thereof and a lowermember 78 provided proximate a lower portion thereof. The lower member78 traverses between a pair of opposing side members 80, 82. The lowermember 78 includes a lower plate 79 extending therefrom. The lower plate79 is provided at a substantially center location between the sidemembers 80, 82. A pair of holes 79A are formed in the lower plate 79. Asdescribed in more detail herein, the pair of holes 79A are provided tofacilitate coupling a lateral damping mechanism 102 to the primary seatback frame 56. The primary seat back frame 56 also includes a pair ofopenings 84, 86 formed in the side members 80, 82 of the primary seatback frame 56, proximate the lower member 78. The recliner mechanisms 70in the primary seat cushion frame 52 engage the pair of openings 84, 86formed in the primary seat back frame 56 in order to allow the primaryseat back frame 56 to rotate about a reclining axis Rf with respect tothe primary seat cushion frame 52.

In other embodiments of the kinetic seat assembly 10, the pair ofopenings 84, 86 are instead formed in the primary seat cushion frame 52and the pair of recliner mechanisms 70 are provided on the primary seatback frame 56. In some embodiments, both the primary seat cushion frame52 and the primary seat back frame 56 have mating recliner mechanisms,such as corresponding female and male recliner mechanisms, that engagewith one another to facilitate rotation of the primary seat back frame56 about the reclining axis Rf with respect to the primary seat cushionframe 52.

Referring now to FIGS. 8, 23, and 24 , the secondary seat cushion frame54 has a shape contoured to conform to the pelvis of the occupant toprovide sufficient support when seated in the kinetic seat assembly 10.As such, the secondary seat cushion frame 54 includes a front end 88provided proximate a front portion thereof, a rear end 90 providedproximate a rear portion thereof, and a pair of side ends 92, 94interconnecting the front end 88 and the rear end 90.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the secondary seat cushion frame 54 issuspended above the primary seat cushion frame 52 at a front pivotmechanism 98 to facilitate pivoting and rotation of the secondary seatcushion frame 54 with respect to the primary seat cushion frame 52. Morespecifically, the front pivot mechanism 98 permits the secondary seatcushion frame 54 to rotate relative to the primary seat cushion frame 52in a kinetic seat lateral direction as a force is applied in an oppositekinetic seat lateral direction to a person sitting in the kinetic seatassembly 10. The front pivot mechanism 98 is provided proximate thefront portion of the secondary seat cushion frame 54 to facilitate thegreatest degree of rotation. Thus, the front end 88 of the secondaryseat cushion frame 54 is suspended above the front member 62 of theprimary seat cushion frame 52 by the front pivot mechanism 98.

The front pivot mechanism 98 is disposed between the primary seatcushion frame 52 and the secondary seat cushion frame 54 proximate frontportions thereof in order to suspend the secondary seat cushion frame 54above the primary seat cushion frame 52. As shown in greater detail inFIG. 16 , the front pivot mechanism 98 may include a lower front pivotmechanism portion 104 fixed to one of the primary seat cushion frame 52and the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and an upper front pivotmechanism portion 106 fixed to the other of the primary seat cushionframe 52 and the secondary seat cushion frame 54. The upper front pivotmechanism portion 106 includes a ball joint 108 received within an endof the lower front pivot mechanism portion 104. In embodiments, the balljoint 108 may be provided on the lower front pivot mechanism portion104, which is received within an end of the upper front pivot mechanismportion 106.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9 , in embodiments, the secondary seatcushion frame 54 may also include heating and cooling mechanisms foradjusting a temperature of a surface of the secondary seat cushion frame54. More particularly, the secondary seat cushion frame 54 may include acooling mechanism 116 for cooling a surface of the secondary seatcushion frame 54. The cooling mechanism 116 may include, for example, afan or an air conditioning device. A hole 118 may be formed in thesecondary seat cushion frame 54 such that air delivered by the coolingmechanism 116 may pass through the secondary seat cushion frame 54,thereby cooling the occupant seated therein. The cooling mechanism 116is electronically connected to the electronic control unit 32, which,upon receiving a signal such as from the user interface 24 or a controldevice on the kinetic seat assembly 10, sends a signal to the coolingmechanism 116 to adjust the parameters of the cooling mechanism 116accordingly such as, for example, a temperature or blowing speed of thecooling mechanism 116.

Referring still to FIG. 8 , the secondary seat cushion frame 54 mayinclude a heating mechanism 120 for heating a surface of the secondaryseat cushion frame 54. The heating mechanism 120 may include one or moreheating coils 120A arranged on the secondary seat cushion frame 54. Insome embodiments, the heating coils 120A of the heating mechanism 120are positioned between the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and thepadding 11. In other embodiments, the heating coils 120A may be providedin the secondary seat cushion frame 54 itself. In embodiments, theheating mechanism 120 may include a plurality of separate heating coils120A arranged parallel to one another extending in the kinetic seatlongitudinal direction along an upward-facing surface of the secondaryseat cushion frame 54. In other embodiments, the heating mechanism 120may include a single heating coil 120A formed in a sinusoidalarrangement provided along the upward-facing surface of the secondaryseat cushion frame 54. The heating mechanism 120 is electronicallyconnected to the electronic control unit 32, which, upon receiving asignal such as from the user interface 24 or a control device on thekinetic seat assembly 10, sends a signal to the heating mechanism 120 toadjust the parameters of the heating mechanism 120 accordingly such as,for example, a temperature of the heating mechanism 120.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15 and with respect now to the secondary seatback frame 58, the secondary seat back frame 58 has a shape contoured toconform to the torso of the occupant to provide sufficient support. Assuch, the secondary seat back frame 58 includes an upper end 180provided proximate an upper portion thereof, a lower end 182 providedproximate a lower portion thereof, and a pair of side ends 184, 186interconnecting the upper end 180 and the lower end 182. The upper end180 may include a head rest 188 integrally formed with and extendingupwardly from the upper end 180 in order to provide additional supportto the head and neck of the occupant. In some embodiments, a headsupport frame 190 is provided and extends upwardly from the side ends184, 186 of the secondary seat back frame 58. The head support frame 190is a generally inverted U-shaped member including a pair of arms 192,194 connected to the side ends 184, 186 of the secondary seat back frame58. As discussed in more detail below, an upper pivot mechanism 212 iscoupled to the secondary seat back frame 58 below the head support frame190.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the secondary seat back frame 58 issuspended in front of the primary seat back frame 56 at the upper pivotmechanism 212 to facilitate pivoting and rotation of the secondary seatback frame 58 with respect to the primary seat back frame 56. The upperpivot mechanism 212 is positioned proximate the upper end 180 of thesecondary seat back frame 58 to facilitate the greatest degree ofrotation. Thus, the upper end 180 of the secondary seat back frame 58 issuspended in front of the upper member 76 of the primary seat back frame56 by the upper pivot mechanism 212, described in more detail herein.

Referring again to FIG. 2 , in embodiments, the secondary seat backframe 58 may also include heating and cooling mechanisms for adjusting atemperature of a surface of the secondary seat back frame 58. Moreparticularly, the secondary seat back frame 58 may include a coolingmechanism 140 for cooling a surface of the secondary seat back frame 58.The cooling mechanism 140 may include, for example, a fan. A hole 142may be formed in the secondary seat back frame 58 such that airdelivered by the cooling mechanism 140 may pass through the secondaryseat back frame 58, thereby cooling the occupant seated therein. Thecooling mechanism 140 is electronically connected to the electroniccontrol unit 32, which, upon receiving a signal such as from the userinterface 24 or a control device on the kinetic seat assembly 10, sendsa signal to the cooling mechanism 140 to adjust the parameters of thecooling mechanism 140 accordingly such as, for example, a temperature orblowing speed of the cooling mechanism 140.

Referring still to FIG. 2 , the secondary seat back frame 58 may includea heating mechanism 143 for heating a surface of the secondary seat backframe 58. The heating mechanism 143 may include one or more heatingcoils 143A arranged on or in the secondary seat back frame 58.Specifically, the heating coils 143A may be provided at one or more ofthe upper end 180, the lower end 182, or one of the side ends 184, 186of the secondary seat back frame 58. In some embodiments, the heatingcoils 143A of the heating mechanism 143 are positioned between thesecondary seat back frame 58 and the padding 13. In other embodiments,the heating coils 143A may be provided in the secondary seat back frame58 itself. In embodiments, the heating mechanism 143 may include aplurality of separate heating coils 143A arranged parallel to oneanother extending in the kinetic seat vertical direction along aforward-facing surface of the secondary seat back frame 58. In otherembodiments, the heating mechanism 143 may include a single heating coil143A formed in a sinusoidal arrangement provided along theforward-facing surface of the secondary seat back frame 58. The heatingmechanism 143 is electronically connected to the electronic control unit32, which, upon receiving a signal such as from the user interface 24 ora control device on the kinetic seat assembly 10, sends a signal to theheating mechanism 143 to adjust the parameters of the heating mechanism143 accordingly such as, for example, a temperature of the heatingmechanism 143.

Referring still to FIG. 2 , the secondary seat back frame 58 may includea power lumbar mechanism 138. The power lumbar mechanism 138 may includea flexible member 138A and configured to flex away from the primary seatback frame 56 to increase a contour of the power lumbar mechanism 138and toward the primary seat back frame 56 to decrease the contour of thepower lumbar mechanism 138. The power lumbar mechanism 138 may includeone or more actuators 138B to cause the power lumbar mechanism 138 toflex in the manner discussed herein at one or more locations along thepower lumbar mechanism 138. In embodiments, a plurality of actuators138B may be provided to extend along the power lumbar mechanism in thekinetic seat vertical direction to selectively flex correspondingregions of the lumbar mechanism 138. The power lumbar mechanism 138 iselectronically connected to the electronic control unit 32, which, uponreceiving a signal such as from the user interface 24 or a controldevice on the kinetic seat assembly 10, sends a signal to the powerlumbar mechanism 138, specifically the flexible member 138A and/or theone or more actuators 138B, to adjust the contour of the power lumbarmechanism 138 accordingly. By adjusting the contour of the power lumbarmechanism 138, the secondary seat back frame 58 may be better configuredto more comfortably conform to the shape of the occupant's back. Inembodiments, the heating coils 143A may be provided on the power lumbarmechanism 138.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-22B, the upper pivot mechanism 212 is shown ingreater detail. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , the upper pivot mechanism212 is positioned in a first position to raise the secondary seat backframe 58 relative to the primary seat back frame 56. As shown in FIGS.20 and 21 , the upper pivot mechanism 212 is positioned in a secondposition to lower the secondary seat back frame 58 relative to theprimary seat back frame 56. It should be appreciated that the upperpivot mechanism 212 is also positionable in a plurality of intermediatepositions between the first position and the second position to positionthe secondary seat back frame 58 in a plurality of intermediate verticalpositions relative to the primary seat back frame 56. As shown in FIG.22A, the upper pivot mechanism 212 is in the first position in which thesecondary seat back frame 58 is moved in a first vertical direction V1relative to the primary seat back frame 56 and the secondary seat backframe 58 is moved in a first longitudinal direction P1 toward theprimary seat back frame 56. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 22B, theupper pivot mechanism 212 is in the second position in which thesecondary seat back frame 58 is moved in a second vertical direction V2relative to the primary seat back frame 56 opposite the first verticaldirection V1 and the secondary seat back frame 58 is moved in a secondlongitudinal direction P2 away the primary seat back frame 56 andopposite the first longitudinal direction P1.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-21 , the upper pivot mechanism 212 includes aU-shaped bracket 216 having a first side wall 216A, an opposite secondside wall 216B, and a medial wall 216C extending between the first sidewall 216A and the second side wall 216B. The first side wall 216A andthe second side wall 216B extend perpendicular to the medial wall 216Cin the kinetic seat longitudinal direction. The medial wall 216C has aninterior surface 216C1, an exterior surface 216C2, and an opening 227formed therein. A pair of pivotable links 218 are provided on each ofthe first side wall 216A and the second side wall 216B. As shown a pairof pivotable links 218 are provided on each of the first side wall 216Aand the second side wall 216B. As shown in FIG. 22A, each pivotable link218 has a first end 218A rotatably mounted to the U-shaped bracket 216and an opposite second end 218B rotatably mounted to the primary seatback frame 56.

The upper pivot mechanism 212 also includes a hollow tubular member 217extending through the opening 227 in the medial wall 216C. As shown inFIG. 22A, the tubular member 217 has an open first end 217A and anopposite second end 217B closed off by a backing member 217C. Thebacking member 217C has an interior surface 217C1 and an exteriorsurface 217C2. An opening 217C3 is formed in the backing member 217C,the opening 217C3 extends between the interior surface 217C1 and theexterior surface 217C2. The tubular member 217 is fixed within theopening 227 formed in the medial wall 216C of the U-shaped bracket 216.

The upper pivot mechanism 212 includes a ball joint 240 including ashaft 220 fixed to the secondary seat back frame 58, and a ball 222received within a ball cavity 225 of a connector 224 extending oppositethe shaft 220. The connector 224 is at least partially received withinthe tubular member 217 and has an internally threaded bore 229 formedtherein which is dimensioned to movably extend through the opening 217C3formed in the backing member 217C. The ball joint 240 permits thesecondary seat back frame 58 to rotate about an X, a Y, and a Z-axiswith respect to the primary seat back frame 56 in order to move thesecondary seat back frame 58 in a roll, a pitch, and a yaw direction.Thus, the secondary seat back frame 58 is movable in the kinetic seatvertical direction due to rotation of the ball 222 of the ball joint 240within the connector 224 and pivoting of the pivotable links 218relative to the primary seat back frame 56. As shown in greater detailin FIG. 17 , the ball joint 240 and the connector 224 are illustratedwith the ball joint 240 received within an open end of the connector224.

Referring again to FIG. 22A, the connector 224 has a hub 224B definingthe ball cavity 225, and a pin 224C extending from the hub 224B. The pin224C defines the internally threaded bore 229. The hub 224B has an outerdiameter greater than an outer diameter of the pin 224C. The outerdiameter of the pin 224C is less than a diameter of the opening of thebacking member 217C such that the pin 224C is permitted to move throughthe opening 217C3 of the backing member 217C. A shoulder 224A is definedby the difference in diameter between the hub 224B and the pin 224C.

In embodiments, the upper pivot mechanism 212 includes an adjustmentdevice 214 provided at the U-shaped bracket 216 and accessible from theexterior surface 217C2 of the backing member 217C. The adjustment device214 may include a head 233 having a contact surface 235 and an oppositeexternally threaded shaft 231 which engages the internally threaded bore229 of the connector 224. In embodiments, the adjustment device 214 is afastener, rotatable knob, button, or the like.

In embodiments, the upper pivot mechanism 212 further includes anelectronic control unit 234A, a plate 234B provided within the tubularmember 217 and through which the connector 224 extends, and a linearactuator 234C. The electronic control unit 234A is in electroniccommunication with the linear actuator 234C to cause the plate 234B tomove in the kinetic seat vehicle direction along a length of theconnector 224. In embodiments, the electronic control unit 234A iscommunicatively coupled to the adjustment device 214. The electroniccontrol unit 234A may be electronically coupled to the electroniccontrol unit 32.

The upper pivot mechanism 212 further includes a biasing member 226provided within the tubular member 217 and extending between theshoulder 224A formed in the connector 224 and the plate 234B.Accordingly, as described herein, movement of the plate 234B in thekinetic seat longitudinal direction will result in an increased ordecreased biasing force on the secondary seat back frame 58 by thebiasing member 226.

In use, rotation of the adjustment device 214 in a first directionresults in the linear actuator 234C being operated in a first mode tomove the plate 234B in a first direction T1 along the connector 224, asshown in FIG. 22A. As the plate 234B moves in the first direction T1,the biasing member 226 is permitted to extend between the plate 234B andthe shoulder 224A of the connector 224 thereby increasing a dampingeffect when the secondary seat back frame 58 moves in a firstlongitudinal direction P1 toward the primary seat back frame 56 and,specifically, as the connector 224 moves through the opening 217C3formed in the backing member 217C. The biasing member 226 then providesa biasing force against the secondary seat back frame 58 to move thesecondary seat back frame 58 in an opposite second longitudinaldirection P2 such that the connector 224 retracts out of the opening217C3 formed in the backing member 217C, as shown in FIG. 22A.

Alternatively, rotation of the adjustment device 214 in an oppositesecond direction results in the linear actuator 234C being operated in asecond mode to move the plate 234B in a second direction T2 along theconnector 224, as shown in FIG. 22B. As the plate 234B moves in thesecond direction T2, the biasing member 226 is compressed between theplate 234B and the shoulder 224A of the connector 224 thereby decreasinga damping effect when the secondary seat back frame 58 moves in thefirst longitudinal direction P1 toward the primary seat back frame 56and, specifically, as the connector 224 moves through the opening 217C3formed in the backing member 217C, as shown in FIG. 22B. The biasingmember 226 then provides a biasing force against the secondary seat backframe 58 to move the secondary seat back frame 58 in the secondlongitudinal direction P2 such that the connector 224 retracts out ofthe opening 217C3 formed in the backing member 217C.

In embodiments, the plate 234B may be moved in the first direction T1 orthe second direction T2 by manual operation of the adjustment device 214by accessing the adjustment device 214 from a rear side of the primaryseat back frame 56 and rotating the adjustment device 214, orelectronically operated by communicating with the electronic controlunit 234A itself. In embodiments in which the plate 234B is moved bymanual operation of the adjustment device 214, rotation of theadjustment device 214 may be coupled to the plate 234B by a worm gear, abevel gear, or the like to convert rotational movement of the adjustmentdevice 214 to linear movement of the plate 234B in the first directionT1 and the second direction T2.

As noted above, and shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 , the secondary seatcushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 are connected toone another at the rear end 90 and the lower end 182, respectively, bythe linkage assembly 60. As discussed herein, the linkage assembly 60ensures that the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seatback frame 58 move in phase, i.e., in unison and in the same direction,with one another.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 , the linkage assembly 60 includes anL-shaped connection bracket 242 having a first end 242A mounted to therear end 90 of the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and an oppositesecond end 242B. The L-shaped connection bracket 242 also has a rearsurface 242C and an opposite front surface 242D. The L-shaped connectionbracket 242 includes a pair of spaced apart eyelets 244A, 244Bpositioned on opposite sides of the L-shaped connection bracket 242extending through the rear surface 242C and the front surface 242D. Theeyelets 244A, 244B extend in opposite kinetic seat lateral directionsand define holes 245A, 245B Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26 , thelinkage assembly 60 includes a connector bracket 244 fixedly attached tothe front surface 242D of the L-shaped connection bracket 242. Theconnector bracket 244 includes a base wall 246B and a pair of side walls246C. The pair of side walls 246C extends substantially perpendicular tothe base wall 246B in the kinetic seat longitudinal direction and anopening 246D is formed at a distal end of each side wall 246C oppositethe base wall 246B. The openings 246D are coaxial with one another todefine a reclining axis Rm about which the secondary seat back frame 58rotates relative to the connector bracket 244, as discussed herein. Assuch, the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat backframe 58 are permitted to rotate about the reclining axis Rm.

Referring now to FIGS. 27 and 28 , the secondary seat back frame 58 isrotatably mounted to the connector bracket 244. More particularly, thelower member 78 of the secondary seat back frame 58 is rotatably mountedto the connector bracket 244 by a fixing member 248, such as a pin,extending through a cavity 58A formed in a protrusion 58B extending fromthe lower member 78 of the secondary seat back frame 58 and the openings246D formed in the side walls 246C of the connector bracket 244. Thus,the secondary seat cushion frame 54 is permitted to rotate relative tothe secondary seat back frame 58 due to the connector bracket 244 beingpermitted to rotate relative to the connection bracket 242.

Referring now to FIG. 29 , the vertical damping mechanism 100 is shownbetween the eyelets 244A, 244B of the connector bracket 244 and a pairof clamps 360 provided on a rear rod 362 extending between oppositerails 81, 83 of the primary seat cushion frame 52. The vertical dampingmechanism 100 includes first and second vertical dampers 144, 146interconnecting the primary seat cushion frame 52 and the secondary seatcushion frame 54 due to the connection therebetween by the linkageassembly 60.

It is to be understood that each vertical damper 144, 146 is identicalin structure and operation and, thus, only the first vertical damper 144will be described in detail and with reference to FIG. 29 . In someembodiments, the first vertical damper 144 includes an outer tube 148and an inner tube 154. The outer tube 148 includes a first end 150 andan opposite second end 152. The inner tube 154 includes a first end 156and an opposite second end 158. In some embodiments, the inner tube 154and the outer tube 148 are permitted to rotate with respect to oneanother. Additionally, the inner tube 154 may extend and retract fromthe outer tube 148, but the inner tube 154 may be restricted fromretracting completely out of the outer tube 148.

In some embodiments, as discussed in more detail below, the inner tube154 slidably moves in and out of the first end 150 of the outer tube 148in order to adjust the length of the first vertical damper 144 based onthe movement of the secondary seat back frame 58 with respect to theprimary seat cushion frame 52. In some embodiments, the first verticaldamper 144 also includes a ball joint 145 at one or both ends of thefirst vertical damper 144 to provide necessary rotation of the firstvertical damper 144 with respect to the primary seat cushion frame 52and/or the secondary seat back frame 58.

Although not shown, in some embodiments, the first vertical damper 144includes a biasing member, such as a spring, for providing a dampingeffect between the inner tube 154 and the outer tube 148. In otherembodiments, the first vertical damper 144 may include a compressiblefluid providing the damping effect between the inner tube 154 and theouter tube 148. The degree of the damping effect may be manually orelectronically adjustable, as discussed in more detail herein.

It is to be understood that variations of the first vertical damper 144may be contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. Forexample, in some embodiments, it is to be appreciated that theorientation of the outer tube 148 and the inner tube 154 may be switchedsuch that the outer tube 148 is coupled to the secondary seat back frame58 and the inner tube 154 is coupled to the primary seat cushion frame52.

In some embodiments, the first vertical damper 144 is a shock absorber.In some embodiments, the first vertical damper 144 is a pneumaticactuator. As such, the first vertical damper 144 includes an inlet 304for connecting to an air supply. Air is supplied into the first verticaldamper 144, particularly the outer tube 148, to a predetermined amountto control the degree of damping. In some embodiments, the inlet 304 ofthe first vertical damper 144 is in fluid communication with an airsupply located in the vehicle 12 to add air into the first verticaldamper 144. To release pressure within the first vertical damper 144, arelease valve may be activated in order to reduce the amount of damping.The release valve may be adjusted between an open position, a closedposition, and a plurality of intermediate positions. The air releasedmay be recirculated back into the air supply provided in the vehicle 12or released into the atmosphere. Thus, vertical movement of thesecondary seat back frame 58 may be reduced or increased as desired bythe occupant by controlling the amount of pressure within the firstvertical damper 144.

In other embodiments, although not shown, it is understood that eachvertical damper 144, 146 may be an electric actuator, a hydraulicactuator, or any other suitable actuator for damping movement betweenthe primary seat cushion frame 52 and the secondary seat back frame 58.

As shown in FIG. 30 , a detailed side view of the first vertical damper144 is shown coupled between the connector bracket 244 and the clamp360. It should be appreciated that components illustrated in FIG. 30 anddiscussed herein may not be depicted in other figures for sake ofsimplification of illustration without limiting the scope of the presentdisclosure. In addition, it should be appreciated that the descriptionof the first vertical damper 144 discussed herein and illustrated inFIG. 30 is equally applicable to the second vertical damper 146.However, only the connection of the first vertical damper 144 isillustrated and described in detail herein.

As shown in FIG. 30 , the first vertical damper 144 includes the balljoint 145 provided at the second end 152 of the outer tube 148, and theball joint 145 provided at the second end 158 of the inner tube 154.Each ball joint 145 includes a ball 145A and a receiver 145B defining acavity 145C for receiving the ball 145A. As shown, the first verticaldamper 144 is spaced apart from the connection bracket 242 in thekinetic seat longitudinal direction. It should be appreciated that thefirst vertical damper 144 being spaced apart from the connection bracket242 and, more specifically, the ball joints 145 being spaced apart fromthe connection bracket 242 allows for unrestricted pivoting movement ofthe second end 152 of the outer tube 148 and the second end 158 of theinner tube 154.

With more particularity, the second end 152 of the outer tube 148 isspaced apart from one of the clamps 360 to which the first verticaldamper 144 is coupled. In embodiments, as shown, a ball joint 380 isprovided at an upper clamp mount 364H of the clamp 360. The ball joint380 includes a ball 380A and a receiver 380B defining a cavity 380C forreceiving the ball 380A. A shaft 382 extends between the ball joint 145at the second end 152 of the outer tube 148 and the ball joint 380 atthe clamp 360 to space the second end 152 of the outer tube 148 awayfrom the clamp 360. In embodiments, the shaft 382 may be fixed directlyto the clamp 360 without providing the ball joint 380.

Additionally, the second end 158 of the inner tube 154 is spaced apartfrom the connection bracket 242 and specifically the eyelet 244A of theconnection bracket 242 to which the first vertical damper 144 iscoupled. In embodiments, as shown, a ball joint 390 is provided at theeyelet 244A of the connection bracket 242. The ball joint 390 includes aball 390A and a receiver 390B defining a cavity 390C for receiving theball 380A. A shaft 392 extends between the ball joint 145 at the secondend 158 of the inner tube 154 and the ball joint 390 at the eyelet 244Aof the connection bracket 242 to space the second end 158 of the innertube 154 away from the connection bracket 242. In embodiments, the shaft392 may be fixed directly to the connection bracket 242 withoutproviding the ball joint 390. As such, the first vertical damper 144, aswell as the second vertical damper 146, are allowed to articulate at theball joint 380 and the ball joint 390. This allows for a greater degreeof freedom of first vertical damper 144 rotating relative to theconnection bracket 242 and the clamp 360.

Referring again to FIG. 29 , the first and second vertical dampers 144,146 are oriented at an angle relative to one another such that adistance between the second end 158 of the inner tube 154 of eachvertical damper 144, 146 is greater than a distance between the secondend 152 of the outer tube 148 of each vertical damper 144, 146. Statedanother way, a distance between the end of each vertical damper 144, 146coupled to the linkage assembly 60 is greater than an opposite end ofeach vertical damper 144, 146 coupled to the primary seat cushion frame52. This configuration allows the vertical dampers 144, 146 to absorbvertical shock as the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondaryseat back frame 58 move in a kinetic seat vertical direction and toallow the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat backframe 58 to pivot.

Referring still to FIG. 29 , the lateral damping mechanism 102 includesfirst and second lateral dampers 258, 260 interconnecting the primaryseat back frame 56 and the secondary seat back frame 58. It is to beunderstood that each lateral damper 258, 260 is identical in structureand operation and, thus, only the first lateral damper 258 will bedescribed in detail. In some embodiments, the first lateral damper 258includes an outer tube 262 and an inner tube 268. The outer tube 262includes a first end 264 and an opposite second end 265. The inner tube268 includes a first end 270 and an opposite second end 272. In someembodiments, the inner tube 268 and the outer tube 262 are permitted torotate with respect to one another. Additionally, the inner tube 268 mayextend and retract from the outer tube 262, but the inner tube 268 maybe restricted from retracting completely out of the outer tube 262.

In use, in some embodiments, as discussed in more detail below, theinner tube 268 slidably moves in and out of the first end 264 of theouter tube 262 in order to adjust the length of the first lateral damper258 based on the movement of the secondary seat back frame 58 withrespect to the primary seat back frame 56. In some embodiments, thefirst lateral damper 258 includes a ball joint 277 at the second end 265of the outer tube 262 of the first lateral damper 258 to providenecessary rotation of the first lateral damper 258 with respect to theprimary seat back frame 56. A ball joint 277 is also provided at thesecond end 272 of the inner tube 268 rotatably fixing the inner tube 268to the secondary seat back frame 58.

In some embodiments, the first lateral damper 258 includes a biasingmember, such as a spring, for providing a damping effect between theinner tube 268 and the outer tube 262. In other embodiments, the firstlateral damper 258 may include a compressible fluid providing thedamping effect between the inner tube 268 and the outer tube 262. Thedegree of the damping effect may be manually or electronicallyadjustable, as discussed in more detail herein.

In some embodiments, the first lateral damper 258 is a pneumaticactuator. As such, the first lateral damper 258 includes an inlet 330for connecting to an air supply. Air is supplied into the first lateraldamper 258, particularly the outer tube 262, to a predetermined amountto control the degree of damping. In some embodiments, the inlet 330 ofthe first lateral damper 258 is in fluid communication with an airsupply located in the vehicle 12 to add air into the first lateraldamper 258. To release pressure within the first lateral damper 258, arelease valve may be activated in order to reduce the amount of damping.The release valve may be adjusted between an open position, a closedposition, and a plurality of intermediate positions. The air releasedmay be recirculated back into the air supply provided in the vehicle 12or released into the atmosphere. Thus, lateral movement of the secondaryseat back frame 58 may be reduced or increased as desired by theoccupant by controlling the amount of pressure within the first lateraldamper 258.

Although not shown, it is appreciated that the lateral dampers 258, 260may be in communication with the electronic control unit 32 and operablevia the user interface 24 for operating the amount of pressure withinthe lateral dampers 258, 260. As noted above, the display unit 22 mayinclude the user interface 24 and may be located in any suitablelocation, such as on the dashboard of the vehicle 12, or otherwisewithin reach of the occupant such that the occupant may control thedegree of damping in the kinetic seat assembly 10. It is to beappreciated that the lateral dampers 258, 260 may be operable between aSport mode and a Comfort mode. When the occupant selects Sport mode, airmay be released from the lateral dampers 258, 260 in order to allow formore extension and retraction of the inner tube 268 with respect to theouter tube 262. Alternatively, when the occupant selects Comfort mode,additional air is supplied in the lateral dampers 258, 260 in order toincrease the pressure therein and limit the amount of extension andretraction of the inner tube 268 with respect to the outer tube 262.

In other embodiments, although not shown, it is understood that eachlateral damper 258, 260 may be an electric actuator, a hydraulicactuator, or any other suitable actuator for damping movement betweenthe primary seat back frame 56 and the secondary seat back frame 58.

Referring now to FIGS. 31 and 34 , in embodiments, the kinetic seatassembly 10 includes a seat cushion tilt mechanism 338 for tiling thesecondary seat cushion frame 54 relative to the primary seat cushionframe 52. The seat cushion tilt mechanism 338 includes a tilt bar 340including a tilt bar front portion 342 and a pair of tilt bar handles344, 346 extending rearwardly in the kinetic seat longitudinal directionfrom opposite ends of the tilt bar front portion 342. A distal end 344A,346A of each tilt bar handle 344, 346 opposite the tilt bar frontportion 342 is rotatably attached to the side members 66, 68 of theprimary seat cushion frame 52. The seat cushion tilt mechanism 338 alsoincludes a forward rod 348 extending between side members 66, 68 of theprimary seat cushion frame 52 and is positioned under the tilt barhandles 344, 346 such that movement of the forward rod 348 in thekinetic seat vertical direction causes the seat cushion tilt mechanism338 to rotate about the distal end 344A, 346A of each tilt bar handle344, 346 such that the tilt bar front portion 342 also moves upward inthe kinetic seat vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 31 , the frontpivot mechanism 98 is received within the tilt bar front portion 342 tobe coupled to the front end 88 of the secondary seat cushion frame 54.Thus, movement of the seat cushion tilt mechanism 338, specifically thetilt bar front portion 342, results in similar rotation of the front end88 of the secondary seat cushion frame 54.

Referring again to FIG. 31 , a pair of clamps 360 is provided on therear rod 362 extending between the rails 81, 83 of the primary seatcushion frame 52. As described in more detail herein, the clamps 360 areprovided for rotatably coupling the vertical dampers 144, 146 to theprimary seat cushion frame 52 and maintaining a current degree ofdamping or extension of the vertical dampers 144, 146 during movement ofthe kinetic seat assembly 10 in the kinetic seat vertical direction asthe rear rod 362 rotates.

Referring now to FIGS. 32 and 33 , the clamps 360 are illustrated inmore detail separate from the rear rod 362. Each clamp 360 includes anupper clamp portion 364 and a lower clamp portion 366. The upper clampportion 364 has an outer surface 364A and an inner surface 364B. Theupper clamp portion 364 has an open lower end 364C and the inner surface364B defines a concave upper channel 364D. The upper clamp portion 364also has a front wall 364E and a rear wall 364F joined to one anotherand cooperating to define the concave upper channel 364D. A plurality ofupper clamp holes 364G are formed in the upper clamp portion 364extending through the front wall 364E and the rear wall 364F, andthrough the outer surface 364A and the inner surface 364B. An upperclamp mount 364H is provided on the outer surface 364A at the rear wall364F for receiving a corresponding one of the vertical dampers 144, 146,as discussed in more detail herein. The upper clamp portion 364 furtherincludes a clamp finger 372 extending from a side of the upper clampportion 364. As shown, the clamp finger 372 extends from the rear wall364F of the upper clamp portion 364. The clamp finger 372 includes aflange 372A extending from the rear wall 364F of the upper clamp portion364 in a substantially kinetic seat longitudinal direction and areceiver 372B extending from a distal end of the flange 372A oppositethe rear wall 364F of the upper clamp portion 364. The receiver 372Bdefines a channel 372C formed in an end thereof for mating with aportion of the primary seat cushion frame 52 and preventing rotation ofthe clamp 360 relative to the rear rod 362, as discussed herein.

The lower clamp portion 366 has an outer surface 366A and an innersurface 366B. The lower clamp portion 366 has an open upper end 366C andthe inner surface 366B defines a concave lower channel 366D. The lowerclamp portion 366 also has a front wall 366E and a rear wall 366F joinedto one another and cooperating to define the concave lower channel 366D.A plurality of lower clamp holes 366G are formed in the lower clampportion 366 extending through the front wall 366E and the rear wall366F, and through the outer surface 366A of the lower clamp portion 366.

In assembling the clamp 360, the lower clamp portion 366 is insertedinto the open lower end 364C of the upper clamp portion 364. The concavelower channel 366D and the concave upper channel 364D cooperate todefine a bore 370 for receiving the rear rod 362, as described in moredetail herein. With the lower clamp portion 366 positioned within theupper clamp portion 364, the lower clamp holes 366G are coaxial withcorresponding upper clamp holes 364G. The upper clamp portion 364 andthe lower clamp portion 366 are secured to one another by one or morefasteners 368, such as screws, rivets, and the like, extending throughthe upper clamp holes 364G and the lower clamp holes 366G. As shown, apair of fasteners 368 is provided for securing the upper clamp portion364 to the lower clamp portion 366. However, any number of fasteners 368may be provided for securing the upper clamp portion 364 and the lowerclamp portion 366 to one another. When in an assembled state, the upperclamp portion 364 and the lower clamp portion 366 define a bore 370.

As shown in FIGS. 29 and 31 , the rear rod 362 is received within thebore 370 formed by the upper clamp portion 364 and the lower clampportion 366, and the clamp finger 372 engages the primary seat cushionframe 52 to prevent the clamps 360 from moving along the longitudinalaxis of the rear rod 362 and in the kinetic seat lateral direction. Theclamps 360 may be rotatably coupled to the vertical dampers 144, 146 byone of the fasteners 368 extending through the upper clamp portion 364,the lower clamp portion 366, and the second end 152 of the outer tube148 of the vertical dampers 144, 146. In other embodiments in which oneof the fasteners 368 do not extend entirely through the upper clampportion 364 and the lower clamp portion 366, a separate fastener may beused to rotatably couple the clamps 360 to the vertical dampers 144,146, such as a separate fastener extending through the upper clamp mount364H of the upper clamp portion 364.

As described herein, the kinetic seat assembly 10 is permitted to movein a kinetic seat vertical direction relative to the floor F. As thekinetic seat assembly 10 moves in the kinetic seat vertical direction,the rear rod 362 rotates. To ensure that the vertical dampers 144, 146maintain the current amount of compression as the kinetic seat assembly10 moves, the clamps 360 are permitted to rotate relative to the rearrod 362 and remain rotatably coupled to the vertical dampers 144, 146.Alternatively, if the clamps 360 were fixed to the rear rod 362, thedegree of compression of the vertical dampers 144, 146 would increase ordecrease in relation to the overall movement of the kinetic seatassembly 10 in the kinetic seat vertical direction and the rotation ofthe rear rod 362.

Referring again to FIG. 34 , a portion of the seat cushion tiltmechanism 338 is shown in more detail. Particularly, the seat cushiontilt mechanism 338 further includes a fixed plate 350 and a drive member352 extending from the fixed plate 350. The drive member 352 may berotatably coupled to a pivotal plate 354 at an end of the drive member352 opposite the fixed plate 350 such that extension of the drive member352 from the fixed plate 350 in a direction E1 pivots the pivotal plate354 and thus raises the forward rod 348, which raises the tilt bar 340of the seat cushion tilt mechanism 338 and the front end 88 of thesecondary seat cushion frame 54. Alternatively, retraction of the drivemember 352 back into the fixed plate 350 in an opposition direction E2results in the pivotal plate 354 rotating in an opposite direction tolower the forward rod 348, thus lowering of the tilt bar 340 of the seatcushion tilt mechanism 338 and the front end 88 of the secondary seatcushion frame 54. The drive member 352 may be a threaded shaft,actuator, and/or the like operated by a motor. The motor may becontrolled by the electronic control unit 32. The seat cushion tiltmechanism 338 allows the entire secondary seat cushion frame 54 to tiltwith respect to the primary seat cushion frame 52.

In use, the occupant controls the turning direction of the vehicle 12 byrotating the steering wheel 20. In doing so, the turning direction sideshoulder of the occupant moves downward relative to the counter-turningdirection side shoulder, and the turning direction side shoulder movesrearward relative to the counter-turning direction side shoulder. Atthis time, a steering operation can be comfortably performed if theoccupant bends the lumbar spine in the turning direction and shortens adistance between the turning direction side pelvis and the shouldercompared to a distance between the counter-turning direction side pelvisand the shoulder, twists the lumbar spine, and pivotally moves thepelvis in the same direction as the turning direction side shoulder.

When the occupant directs the vehicle 12 in a turning direction, a forceis applied onto the vehicle 12 and, thus, the occupant in thecounter-turning direction. In a standard vehicle seat not equipped withmoving to compensate for this force and allow the occupant to adjust apelvis or torso position, the occupant will exhibit strain on thesejoints, including the knees, waist, and shoulders. In a seat in whichthe seat cushion frame and the seat back frame rotate in oppositedirections, this strain on the occupant's joints is magnified.

The present disclosure seeks to eliminate these joint stresses bypermitting the occupant seated in the kinetic seat assembly 10 to rotatewith the force exhibited on the vehicle 12 during a turn. Thus, thepresent kinetic seat assembly 10 allows the pelvis and the torso of theoccupant to rotate in order to maintain a center of gravity within thevehicle 12 in the direction of the turn.

As the occupant turns the vehicle 12 to the right, the occupant lowersthe right shoulder and uses the trunk muscle so as to bend the lumbarspine to the right. This causes the occupant to pivotally move thepelvis counterclockwise in the rolling direction and clockwise in theyaw direction. In addition, the occupant pivotally moved the torsocounterclockwise in the rolling direction and clockwise in the yawdirection. During a turn to the right, force is applied onto theoccupant to the left. This further facilitates rotation of the torso andpelvis of the occupant to the left due to the momentum of the vehicle12. As such, the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seatback frame 58 move in phase with one another to the left due to theirconnection by the linkage assembly 60. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, during a right turn operation, the rear end 90 of the secondary seatcushion frame 54 moves in a first seat cushion direction X1 and thelower end 182 of the secondary seat back frame 58 moves in a first seatback direction Y1. The first seat cushion direction X1 and the firstseat back direction Y1 are each directed along the same kinetic seatlateral direction. As the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and thesecondary seat back frame 58 move to the left, the lateral dampingmechanism 102 provides a controlled damping effect to reduce the forceat which the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat backframe 58 move to the left. Alternatively, as the occupant turns thevehicle 12 to the left, the secondary seat cushion frame 54 and thesecondary seat back frame 58 move in phase with one another to theright. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , during a right turn operation,the rear end 90 of the secondary seat cushion frame 54 moves in a secondseat cushion direction X2 opposite the first seat cushion direction X1and the lower end 182 of the secondary seat back frame 58 moves in asecond seat back direction Y2 opposite the first seat back direction Y1.The second seat cushion direction X2 and the second seat back directionY2 are each directed along the same kinetic seat lateral direction. Asthe secondary seat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58move to the right, the lateral damping mechanism 102 provides acontrolled damping effect to reduce the force at which the secondaryseat cushion frame 54 and the secondary seat back frame 58 move to theright.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , an imaginary line L extends from the frontpivot mechanism 98 to the upper pivot mechanism 212. With respect to anoccupant seated in the kinetic seat assembly 10, the line L generallyextends through the shoulders of the occupant and the knees of theoccupant. Thus, during use of the kinetic seat assembly 10, whenundergoing movement during a right turn or a left turn, the kinetic seatassembly 10 ensures that the shoulders of the occupant and the knees ofthe occupant remain generally aligned with one another while allowingthe occupant's waist to move in respective left and right directions inaccordance with the above disclosure.

From the above, it is to be appreciated that defined herein is a new andunique kinetic seat assembly in which a seat cushion frame and a seatback frame rotate in phase with one another during movement of avehicle, such as a turn. In doing so, the driver of the vehicle, orother occupant when the kinetic vehicle seat replaces a seat of avehicle other than the driver seat, experiences a more comfortabledriving experience in which the occupant's torso and waist movetogether.

What is claimed is:
 1. A kinetic seat assembly comprising: a primaryseat cushion frame; a secondary seat cushion frame movable relative tothe primary seat cushion frame; a tilt mechanism configured to tilt thesecondary seat cushion frame relative to the primary seat cushion frame,the tilt mechanism mounted to the primary seat cushion frame andincluding a tilt bar; and a front pivot mechanism rotatably coupling theprimary seat cushion frame to the secondary seat cushion frame.
 2. Thekinetic seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the tilt bar further comprisesa tilt bar front portion, the front pivot mechanism provided at the tiltbar front portion.
 3. The kinetic seat assembly of claim 2, wherein thetilt bar further comprises: a pair of tilt bar handles extendingrearwardly in a kinetic seat longitudinal direction from opposite endsof the tilt bar front portion, a distal end of each tilt bar handleopposite the tilt bar front portion is rotatably attached to respectiveside members of the primary seat cushion frame.
 4. The kinetic seatassembly of claim 3, wherein: the tilt mechanism further comprises aforward rod extending between the side members of the primary seatcushion frame and positioned under the tilt bar handles; and movement ofthe forward rod in a kinetic seat vertical direction causes the tiltmechanism to rotate about the distal end of each tilt bar handle suchthat the tilt bar front portion moves upward in the kinetic seatvertical direction.
 5. The kinetic seat assembly of claim 4, wherein thetilt mechanism further comprises: a fixed plate; a drive memberextending from the fixed plate; and a pivotal plate, the drive memberrotatably coupled to the pivotal plate at an end of the drive memberopposite the fixed plate.
 6. The kinetic seat assembly of claim 5,wherein extension of the drive member causes the pivotal plate to raisethe forward rod in a kinetic seat vertical direction, which raises thetilt bar and a front end of the secondary seat cushion frame in thekinetic seat vertical direction.
 7. The kinetic seat assembly of claim5, wherein retraction of the drive member causes the pivotal plate tolower the forward rod in a kinetic seat vertical direction, which lowersthe tilt bar and a front end of the secondary seat cushion frame in thekinetic seat vertical direction.
 8. The kinetic seat assembly of claim5, wherein the drive member includes a threaded shaft and is controlledby an electronic control unit.
 9. A kinetic seat assembly comprising: aprimary seat back frame; a secondary seat back frame including a powerlumbar mechanism; and an upper pivot mechanism coupling the primary seatback frame to the secondary seat back frame such that the secondary seatback frame is movable relative to the primary seat back frame.
 10. Thekinetic seat assembly of claim 9, wherein the power lumbar mechanismcomprises a flexible member configured to flex to increase and decreasea contour of the lumbar mechanism in a kinetic seat longitudinaldirection.
 11. The kinetic seat assembly of claim 9, wherein the lumbarmechanism comprises a plurality of actuators configured to increase anddecrease a contour of the lumbar mechanism in a kinetic seatlongitudinal direction.
 12. The kinetic seat assembly of claim 11,wherein the plurality of actuators extend along the lumbar mechanism ina kinetic seat vertical direction.
 13. The kinetic seat assembly ofclaim 9, wherein the lumbar mechanism is controlled by an electroniccontrol unit.
 14. A kinetic seat assembly comprising: a primary seatcushion frame; a secondary seat cushion frame movable relative to theprimary seat cushion frame; a primary seat back frame; a secondary seatback frame movable relative to the primary seat back frame; and at leastone of a cooling mechanism and a heating mechanism provided on at leastone of the secondary seat back frame and the secondary seat cushionframe.
 15. The kinetic seat assembly of claim 14, further comprising thecooling mechanism provided on one of the secondary seat back frame andthe secondary seat cushion frame, wherein: the cooling mechanismcomprises a fan directing cooled air through a hole formed in the one ofthe secondary seat back frame and the secondary seat cushion frametoward an occupant seated in the kinetic seat assembly.
 16. The kineticseat assembly of claim 15, wherein: the cooling mechanism iselectronically connected to an electronic control unit; and uponreceiving a signal from the electronic control unit, the coolingmechanism is operated to adjust at least one of a temperature andblowing speed of the cooling mechanism.
 17. The kinetic seat assembly ofclaim 14, further comprising the heating mechanism provided on one ofthe secondary seat back frame and the secondary seat cushion frame,wherein the heating mechanism comprises one or more heating coils. 18.The kinetic seat assembly of claim 17, wherein the heating mechanismcomprises a plurality of heating coils extending along a surface of theone of the secondary seat back frame and the secondary seat cushionframe.
 19. The kinetic seat assembly of claim 18, wherein the pluralityof heating coils extend parallel to one another and along a longitudinaldirection of the one of the secondary seat back frame and the secondaryseat cushion frame.
 20. The kinetic seat assembly of claim 15, wherein:the heating mechanism is electronically connected to an electroniccontrol unit; and upon receiving a signal from the electronic controlunit, the heating mechanism is operated to adjust a temperature of theheating mechanism.